2023 -- H 6470

========

LC003137

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM E.

MCKENNEY, III

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi, Ajello,
Corvese, McNamara, Phillips, McGaw, and Felix

     Date Introduced: June 01, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of William

McKenney, III, the eldest son of the late Dr. William and Mary McKenney, and the brother of Dr.

Paul McKenney and his wife, Mary Ann, our friend and colleague, the Honorable Mark

McKenney, Esq. and his wife, Tricia, Maryjo Covey, RN, and her husband, Ron, and Ann Marie

DeMontigny and her husband, Richard; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his brothers and sisters, Mr. McKenney was the cherished

uncle of thirteen nieces and nephews and fourteen grand-nieces and nephews, as well as many,

many cousins and wonderful friends; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. McKenney, known as “Bill” by his friends and family, was born in

Washington, D.C. and attended Park Elementary School, Lockwood Jr. High School, and after

moving to Rhode Island, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, where he was active in

the school’s performing arts programs. He continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree

in Music Education from Ithaca College, where he continued his involvement in the performing

arts as a member of the fraternity Kappa Gamma Psi; and

     WHEREAS, From 1975 through 1980, Mr. McKenney served as Music Director at

Hendricken, where his leadership of the program earned the students and school wide acclaim

and numerous invitations to perform locally and at the 1977 Inauguration Parade in Washington,

D.C.; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his teaching, Mr. McKenney sang with the prestigious

diocesan Peloquin Chorale, participated in numerous summer stock seasons at the popular

Matunuck Theatre-By-The-Sea, and played the leading role in the Prout-Hendricken alumni

production of 1776; and

     WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. McKenney returned to Washington, D.C., in order to complete

his Master’s degree in Musicology from Catholic University of America. He was employed at

Two Quail Restaurant on Capitol Hill, and later, at The Wine Specialist. His love of Italy and

wine became a central theme in his life, leading to his working as a wine consultant and

distributor in Washington and most recently, with Siema Wines in Springfield, Virginia; and

     WHEREAS, Bill McKenney enjoyed and was blessed with a life filled with good friends

and family. He spent much of his time in altruistic endeavors and advocating for deserving

causes, and the most fitting tribute to his spirit is surely a celebration of his life, where each and

every day was lived fully and joyfully embraced. He will be dearly missed and forever

remembered; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses deepest condolences on the passing of William McKenney, III; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Dr. Paul McKenney and Family, the Honorable

Mark McKenney, Esq. and Family, Maryjo Covey, RN, and Family, and Ann Marie DeMontigny

and Family.

========

LC003137

========

LC003137 - Page 2 of 2